The Importance of Geotechnical Site Investigation with New Construction

Posted by Olio Penman on April 24th, 2023

Site investigation for new construction by Geotechnical engineers is crucial to unearth the site's facts. Here, I highlight the best reasons for geotechnical site analysis. 

Ensures Safety 

Geotechnical engineers are critical in ensuring safety in various construction projects. Their primary focus is on studying soil, rock, groundwater, and other geological factors affecting structures and foundations' stability.

Geotechnical engineers conduct various tests and analyses to assess a construction site's soil and rock conditions. They evaluate the soil's strength, stability, bearing capacity, and ability to resist stresses and strains caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides.

Based on their findings, geotechnical engineers design and recommend appropriate foundation systems and ground improvement techniques to ensure structures' safety. They also advise on the best ways to manage potential risks associated with the site's soil and rock conditions.

In addition to designing and advising on construction projects, geotechnical engineers also play a crucial role in ensuring the ongoing safety of existing structures. They can monitor and evaluate changes in soil and rock conditions over time and recommend any necessary maintenance or repair work to ensure the ongoing stability of the structure. Geotechnical engineers in Australia provide the best analysis and deliver reports. 

Determines Foundation Type

Geotechnical engineers play a critical role in determining the type of foundation most suitable for a given structure. This involves analyzing the soil and rock properties at the site, as well as other factors such as the size and weight of the design, the anticipated loads, and any potential hazards such as earthquakes or soil liquefaction. 

Based on this analysis, the geotechnical engineer may recommend one of several foundation types, including shallow foundations (such as spread footings or mat foundations), deep foundations (such as drilled piers or driven piles), or a combination of both. The engineer will also provide detailed design specifications and calculations for the foundation system, including the required bearing capacity, settlement, and lateral resistance.

The goal of the geotechnical site investigations is to ensure that the foundation is strong enough to support the structure and its anticipated loads over its design life while minimizing the risk of settlement or other foundation-related problems. By working closely with other design team members, including the architect and structural engineer, the geotechnical engineer helps ensure a safe and successful construction project. A few geotechnical engineering companies in Sydney are offering reliable and standard services. 

Meets Regulations

Geotechnical engineers perform various tests to ensure that their work meets regulations and standards set by government agencies and professional organizations. These tests provide the safety and stability of structures built on or in the ground.

Some standard tests geotechnical engineers perform include soil classification, compaction testing, and soil bearing capacity testing. These tests help determine the properties of the ground and how it will behave under different conditions.

Geotechnical engineers also perform tests to evaluate the stability of slopes, embankments, and retaining walls and to assess the potential for landslides, liquefaction, and other geologic hazards. These tests may include soil shear strength testing, seismic analysis, and groundwater monitoring.

In addition to meeting regulations, geotechnical engineers must adhere to ethical and professional standards set by their industry organizations, such as the Australia Geotechnical Engineering Society or the International Society of Soil Mechanics Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE). These organizations provide guidelines for best practices in geotechnical engineering and help ensure that engineers offer accurate and reliable information to their clients and the public. BHM geotechnical engineering offers the industry best services in Sydney.